Patient Instructions for Immediate Dentures

Wearing dentures for the first time can be an initially overwhelming experience. We are here to make your transition to dentures as pleasurable as possible. We have provided the information below to help you through this process. If you have further questions please call our dental office.

You must leave the dentures in the mouth for 24 hours after they are inserted. Pain experienced as a result of the extraction of teeth will not be alleviated by removing the dentures. If you remove the dentures, swelling may occur and you may be unable to reinsert the dentures.

If several teeth have been extracted, swelling and discomfort are to be expected. Swelling may be reduced by holding ice packs against the face in the area of the extractions for no longer than 15 min/hour/ Take medication as prescribed.

The dentures will act as a bandage and help to limit bleeding and to prevent the breakdown of the blood clots that form in the tooth sockets. Bleeding normally is minimal: however, even a few drops of blood will redden saliva. Your diet for the first 24 hours should be restricted to liquids or soft foods. Gradually, you can increase the substance of your diet as healing
progresses to include additional nutrients.

Your bite (the way the upper and lower teeth come together) usually will be imperfect when you first get your dentures. Although major imperfections will be corrected at the time of the insertion and at the appointments 24 and 48 hours after insertion, the final refinement cannot be accomplished until the swelling has disappeared (4 to 7 days).

Care after insertion varies for each patient depending on general health, the number of teeth removed, the difficulty experienced in removing the teeth, and the anatomic form of the remaining ridges and soft tissues. You may be seen 24 hours after insertion of the dentures for adjustments of the denture borders and bases in areas where excessive pressure is being applied to the underlying tissues. An appointment 48 hours after insertion of the dentures also is needed for many patients. Additional appointments for adjustment of the denture bases and the occlusion are scheduled to meet the needs of each patient.

After the 24-hour appointment, the dentures should be removed for cleaning after meals and at bedtime. Always hold the dentures over the sink partially filled with water. Scrub the tissue surface (underside) of the dentures with cotton gauze, liquid soap, and water. Brush the external surfaces and the teeth of the dentures and, for maximal cleanliness, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Always keep the dentures wet while they are out of the mouth.

Two to five days after insertion, you should begin removing the dentures at night. Removing the dentures allows small blood vessels to enlarge and provide nourishment to the tissues supporting the dentures.

Service for Immediate Dentures

As initial adjustments are made and healing progresses, you will notice a decided improvement in the comfort and function of the dentures. However, the remaining tissues will continue to recontour rapidly for 6 to 12 months and the dentures gradually will become looser. Your treatment plan should be reevaluated in 3 to 6 months to determine needs for future treatment.

With immediate dentures, you have the advantages of never being without teeth (except for relining the dentures). However, impressions are not as accurate as they are with regular dentures, the bite is more difficult to perfect, and relining or remaking the dentures will be necessary.